Students of Bolan Medical College (BMC) in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, continued their sit-in protest on Thursday, demanding the reopening of their institution and its hostels.
The protest, now in its second day, is being held outside the main gate of BMC and has drawn significant participation despite the harsh cold weather.
The demonstrators are calling for the release of detained students, the reopening of the college, and action against police personnel and administrators allegedly involved in the “illegal occupation” of the hostels by security forces.
Protesters accused the authorities of disrupting their education. “The closure of our hostels and classes is depriving us of our basic educational rights and jeopardizing our future,” one protester said.
The students criticized recent police actions, including raids on BMC hostels, during which several students were reportedly arrested, injured, or rendered unconscious.
Student groups alleged that these actions are part of a broader effort to marginalize Baloch youth. “Our only crime is our desire for education,” a protester said. “The government is systematically trying to exclude us from educational opportunities.”
Protesters also claimed that authorities are attempting to create divisions between Baloch and Pashtun students, accusing the authorities of using educational institutions for military purposes. “We will resist any attempt to militarize our colleges and universities,” they said.
The students warned that they would escalate their protests across Balochistan if their demands are not met. “This protest will not end until the hostels and college are reopened, and detained students are released,” they added.